WORCESTER 
With beautiful sunny 40 degree temps, the snow from the late winter storm lining Park Avenue and other streets along the parade route did little to deter the crowd of around 60,000 who were whooping it up during today's 31st annual Worcester County St. Patrick's Parade.

From one end of Park Avenue near Leitrims Pub and other bars where people were chugging drinks down Irish-style to farther down where the reviewing stand was set up with somewhat tamer spectators, people were donning their best Irish garb and showing their St. Patty's spirit and pride.

Worcester City Manager Michael V. O'Brien was grand marshal this year and was loving every minute of it.

“This is an absolutely amazing day,” Mr. O'Brien said, taking a short break from commentating on the floats and marchers as they went by. “The bishop delivered great weather and Irish eyes are smiling.

“Honestly, my knees might give out later today, but I'm not giving up until it is over.”

During the parade, he said there wasn't a soul around who wasn't Irish.

“That's the power of the shillelagh — everyone is Irish,” he joked, waving the shillelagh in his traditional Irish tweed cap.

Spectator Kara L. Ford, 28, who has lived in Worcester her “whole life,” said she remembers watching the parade as a child.

“I feel like it would be nice if Worcester could come together more often that just parade day,” Ms. Ford said. “It is like a little Boston here. Why venture out when you have it at home?”

She said she plans to hang out with friends after the parade and have dinner.

Brittany E. King from Everett was hanging out watching the parade and enjoying some green watermelon Jello shots with seven of her 20-something college-mates from Worcester State University.

The women in the group had shamrocks stuck their cheeks, green beads around their necks and green outfits.

“I'm 90 percent Irish,” Ms. King said. “This is a nice day out to show your Irish pride. Everyone is all over Park Avenue and it so much fun.”

The women said they all planned to hang out and party after the parade at Ho Toy Luau Restaurant.